Reckless Intent
Yesterday it announced that a man was jailed for only three years - for the unlawful killing of a Wales football fan - Michael Dye - ahead of a Euro 2012 qualifying game at Wembley last September - between England and Wales.
Michale Dye was the victim of an unprovoked assault by and England fan - Ian Mytton - who attacked and punched him so hard - that he fell to the ground and died from brain damage caused by falling like a 'dead weight' and fracturing skull.
Ian Mytton pled guilty to a charge of manslaughter at the Old Bailey last month - and was given a much reduced sentence because he didn't intend to kill Michael Dye - apparently - with a cowardly and sickening 'sucker' punch.
Ian Mytton (41) also received a six-year ban from football - which is of no great consequence in the scheme of things - and will serve half of his sentence before being released on licence.
So he will be out in 18 months - while his wife and family have been sentenced to a real life sentence.
A harrowing statement was read out in court on behalf of Nathalie Dye - who said:
"The man who caused Mike's death might as well have killed me that night. Part of me died alongside Mike. Since I lost my wonderful husband my world has been crushed. It has been a living hell.
I am unable to eat for fear of having a moment of enjoyment without my husband. I suffer from anxiety attacks and I have had to move house."
CCTV proved to be Ian Mytton's undoing - and showed him approaching Michale Dye on a concourse outside the stadium and punching him once - then walking away and leaving him to his fate.
For absolutely no reason - it should be stressed.
Ian Mytton admitted drinking five pints of lager on the day - and was holding a can of cider before he punched Mr Dye - he wept in court as he was sentenced - boo hoo.
Now I accept that this drunken thug did not set out to kill Michael Dye - but what difference does that make?
Mytton's behaviour was reckless, dangerous and insane - to any normal person.
What did he think might happen to someone who is pole-axed with a violent punch - and falls unconcious to the ground incapable of saving himself - striking the back of his head on the hard ground?
As I've said before the law on this issue of intent is a complete ass.
Saying you did not intend to kill someone after the event - is irrelevant to my mind - a complete cop out in many circumstances involving violent crime.
Mytton either was aware or should have been aware of the potential consequences of his violent behaviour.
And to put him away for only 18 months - makes a complete mockery of our judicial system.
